INVENTIONS--WHITE, A NEW CENTURY OF INVENTIONS, 1822, AND ANOTHER WORK

i. Dircks, Henry (1806-1873). The life, times and scientific labours of the second Marquis of Worcester. To which is added, a reprint of his Century of Inventions. London: Bernard Quaritch, 1865, 8vo, engravings (one folding plate) and vignettes, errata leaf, half red morocco on marbled boards, edges gilt, (bought from Jonathan Hill, New York, 1986), [T&W S163], splitting at joint ii. White, James. A new century of inventions, being Designs & Descriptions of one hundred machines, relating to arts, manufactures, & domestic life. Manchester: for the author, 1822, 4to, 50 engraved plates, divisional titles, errata slip, modern boards with original wrappers for all five parts inserted at the back, (Wigan Free Public Library, embossed library stamp; bought from Alain Brieux, Paris, 1993), [T&W W43], some offsetting

Condition is described in the main body of the catalogue, where appropriate.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

White's account of 100 inventions of his own design - including designs for the textile industry, an "adding machine" and such apparent whimsies as "a serpentine boat" - was consciously modelled on the Marquess of Worcester's 1663 catalogue of his inventions (see also lot 700).